Our country has just lost another of the greatest generation. World War II veteran William J. Ryan, 92, of Seymour peacefully left this world in the comfort of his home with his loving family at his bedside, to be with his beloved wife of 67 years, Eleanor.
Bill was born and raised in Derby, son of first generation Irish immigrant parents, Patrick and Annie Flynn Ryan. He was always proud of his heritage. He lived in Derby until about 30 years ago when he moved to Seymour. He served as a sergeant in World War II and was stationed at an air base outside of London, England in the Army Air Corps’ 447th Bombardment Group. He and his late brother, Jerry, owned and operated the Valley Drive In, a local grocery store in Derby, for many years until their retirement in 1983. He was also a long time real estate broker.
He was a life member of the Foreign Wars of US, American Legion and past member of Knights of Columbus. Bill loved farming and with his brother Jerry eventually bought the farm where he volunteered as a boy. There, as a hobby, they raised livestock, and planted and harvested vegetables.
His wife, Eleanor Koon Ryan, the love of his life, predeceased him. Bill and Eleanor raised six children and were blessed with 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his two sons, William J. Ryan, Jr. (Ann) of Oxford and Richard R. Ryan (Lisa) of Milford, four daughters Eleanor Ann Romano of Manchester, Patricia Gentile (Arthur) of Seymour, Rita Girolamo (Michael) of Naugatuck and Debra Robinson (James) of Oxford, 19 Grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, his sister Marion Bentley of Seymour, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by, brothers Patrick Ryan and Gerald V. Ryan, a sister Margaret Moffatt, and a son in law, Ralph Romano. He is also survived by his caretakers, Grisel, Tina, and Yolanda, who provided him outstanding loving care and comfort. He will be greatly missed by his entire family.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend William’s Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 10:00 am (PLEASE MEET DIRECTLY) at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 135 Mountain Road in Seymour. Entombment with U.S. Air Force military honors will follow in Mt. St. Peter’s Garden Mausoleum in Derby. There will be no visiting hours.
The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia, has been privileged with the arrangements.
To send an expression of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
